Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

Ouellette & Associates
Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

  1. Kathy Kay: Building Possibilities and Enabling Growth at Principal Financial Group

    22 JAN

    Kathy Kay: Building Possibilities and Enabling Growth at Principal Financial Group

    This episode we’re shining the light on Kathy Kay, a leader whose name is synonymous with “building” — and she is a builder in every sense of the word. Kathy not only excels at developing high-performance teams, she extends that builder mindset across multiple areas in both her personal and professional lives. In a wide-ranging conversation, Kathy is sharing how she applies her philosophy of building to her current role as EVP & CIO at Principal Financial Group. We’ll explore her strengths in building courage, collaboration, community, innovation, and family as she lives out a leadership style that balances personal and professional success. Tune in to learn: How to simplify complex projects for your teamHow to ensure your team is aligned with the overall corporate strategyHow to maintain optimism and keep your team energizedKathy’s plans for using AI and cloud innovation to enable business growthKathy’s insights about the human impact of AIAnd more! Featuring submitted questions from: Dan Houston, Chairman & CEO (Ret.), Principal Financial GroupAnil Cheriyan, Board Member & 3x CIO, Tech Whisperers Guest Ep. 55Ryan Downing, CIO, Enterprise Business Solutions, Principal Financial GroupJen Hartsock, Chief Information & Digital Officer, CargillRajesh Arora, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Principal Financial GroupLance Henning, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Des Moines Habitat for HumanityBrian Waller, President, Technology Association of IowaMackenzie Keogh, Kathy’s DaughterJackson Keogh, Kathy's 2-Year Old Grandson

    52 min
  2. A Career of Answer the Call Moments with Zack Hicks

    8 JAN

    A Career of Answer the Call Moments with Zack Hicks

    Inducted in the CIO Hall of Fame in 2019, Zack Hicks is a leader who has left a major impact on the CIO profession through his relentless pursuit of innovation to drive new business outcomes. Having previously been the CEO of Toyota Connected and the Chief Digital Officer at Toyota Motor North America, Zack is now making his mark at Kimberly-Clark as their Chief Digital & Technology Officer. With a career that includes numerous “answer-the-call” moments, Zack knows what it takes for leaders to deliver major wins for their organizations. In this episode, we’re unpacking some of those key moments that have defined Zack’s career and set him apart as a true industry innovator and disruptor. Tune in to learn: What led Zack to join Kimberly-Clark after 26 years with ToyotaHow Zack approaches his role at Kimberly-ClarkHow Zack overcame a variety of challenges at Toyota early in his careerThe key to balancing people and technology amid the rise of AI The skills tech leaders need in order to build trust in a digital transformation journey Featuring submitted questions from: Brian Kursar, Group VP & Head of Enterprise AI, Toyota Motor North AmericaBarbara Cooper, Retired CIOGreg Beckwith, Director & Chief of Staff, Kimberly-ClarkTeresa Miquelarena, VP, Global Information & Digital Strategy, Kimberly-ClarkDeena Dayalan, Head of Digital Operations in Bangalore, Kimberly-Clark

    36 min
  3. Talking Tech, Digital & Strategy with Tractor Supply’s Rob Mills

    18/12/2024

    Talking Tech, Digital & Strategy with Tractor Supply’s Rob Mills

    While many CIOs are busy figuring out what the CIO’s role looks like today, our guest this week is already answering the question, “What does the CIO of tomorrow look like?”  As EVP and Chief Information, Digital, and Corporate Strategy Officer at Tractor Supply Co., Rob Mills has been instrumental in driving the $14.6 billion retailer’s rapid growth, profitability, and world class customer experience. His influence and impact are expansive: He has a hand in P&L, serves on Tractor Supply’s executive committee, and also sits on numerous public and private boards. Join us as we talk tech, digital, and strategy with Rob and learn about: The evolution of the CIO’s roleHow to lead through digital transformationHow Tractor Supply handles customer experience and store supportHow tech leaders can balance speed and accuracyThe differences between empowerment and delegation and how to balance both Featuring submitted questions from: Mike Seals, Chief Digital Officer & SVP of Strategy, Hussman CorporationChris Colla, Chief Technology Officer, B&G FoodsHal Lawton, President & CEO, Tractor Supply Co.Joy Brown, SVP & CDO, Boston Medical Center, Board Director, Tractor Supply Co.Brandon Jacobson, VP of Corporate Strategy, Tractor Supply Co.

    51 min
  4. Truth Telling with 7X CIO Mark Settle

    04/12/2024

    Truth Telling with 7X CIO Mark Settle

    There are some Tech Whisperers who leave a legacy by investing their skills in just one or two companies across their career, and then there are those who leave their legacy by making their mark on several organizations throughout their career. As a whopping seven-time CIO and a three-time winner of the CIO100 Award, Mark Settle is a standout example of the latter.  During his CIO journey, Mark somehow also made the time to publish two must-read books, Truth from the Valley, A Practical Primer on IT Management for the Next Decade and Truth from the Trenches: A Practical Guide to the Art of IT Management. As an expert truth teller, startup adviser, and advisory board member, Mark has mastered the art of helping teams and businesses cut through the fluff to focus on what matters most. In this episode, he’s sharing some of his secret sauce with us. Join us as we unpack Mark’s leadership playbook to learn: How to handle curveballs under pressureHow to effectively utilize discretionary bandwidthHow to navigate organizational politicsStrategies for a CIO’s first 90 daysThe key to becoming a Level 5 leader Featuring submitted questions from: Ralph Loura, Hall of Fame CIO & Chairman of the Board, SustainableIT.orgJulie Cullivan, Board Director, Former Chief Technology & People OfficerCarter Busse, CIO, WorkatoAlvina Antar, Advisor, Board Member, & Former CIO

    59 min
  5. Inspirations from the CIO G.O.A.T., Rob Carter

    13/11/2024

    Inspirations from the CIO G.O.A.T., Rob Carter

    You’re in for a special treat with this episode as we sit down with the GOAT, the greatest-of-all-time CIO, Robert B. Carter. Rob served as the CIO of FedEx for almost a quarter of a century, during which time he transformed IT strategy and led the company to unprecedented success, not to mention 27 straight CIO 100 Awards. In this episode, we’re delving into Rob’s extraordinary 24-year tenure at FedEx and exploring the essence of leadership, the importance of humility, the role of mentorship, and the challenges and milestones that have defined his remarkable career. Join us as we unpack Rob’s expansive digital leadership playbook to learn: How Rob kept himself energized at FedEx for such a long durationHow mentors impacted his careerWhat it takes to be a successful technology executiveHow effective leaders balance personal and professional priorities A peak into what Rob has planned next! Featuring submitted questions from: Charlie Feld, CEO & Founder, Feld Group InstituteRachel Harvey, Rob Carter’s Executive Assistant for 31 years Ken Spangler, Co-Founder, AdaptiveIONDottie Berry, Chief of Staff to Rob CarterMike Glenn, EVP Market Development & Corp Communications (ret.), FedExChris Winton, SVP HR, Comcast; Board Member, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

    1h 32m
  6. Leading Wing-to-Wing Digital Transformation with Monica Caldas

    30/10/2024

    Leading Wing-to-Wing Digital Transformation with Monica Caldas

    As the leader of over 5,000 technologists, Monica Caldes, Global CIO at Liberty Mutual Insurance, has established herself as one of the top digital executives in the industry. She is one of those rare leaders that has figured out the secret formula for mixing boldness, courage, empathy, and kindness, making her a leader that people are eager to work under. In this episode, we are shining the light onto Monica’s story to uncover the “It Factor” that makes her such an incredible leader, and we’ve included some really cool surprises for Monica along the way! Join us as we unpack Monica’s digital leadership playbook to learn: How a strong CEO/CIO partnership creates new opportunities and enables fast transformationHow Monica develops future-ready cultures and teamsHow to effectively lead with thousands of team members under your authorityHow to properly apply adaptability in your leadershipHow to embrace and learn from major mistakes Featuring submitted questions from: Jim MachPhee, COO at Liberty Mutual InsuranceJim Fowler, CTO at NationwideAndrew Palmer, SVP & CIO at Liberty Mutual InsuranceKyle Benton (We don’t want to spoil who this is!)

    1h 4m
  7. Designing Winning Careers & Organizations with Janet Sherlock

    16/10/2024

    Designing Winning Careers & Organizations with Janet Sherlock

    In this episode, we are shining the light on Dr. Janet Sherlock, a digital and retail executive who leads through her expertise in digital transformation, customer experience, omnichannel strategy, data, and AI and machine learning.  Janet’s career spans companies such as ExxonMobile, British Petroleum, and, for the last seven years, Ralph Lauren, where she served as Chief Digital & Technology Officer, driving the company’s digital transformation strategy and leading their global e-commerce strategy.  Join us as we unpack Janet’s digital leadership playbook to learn: How to lead your team through complex goals while remaining a leader people want to be aroundHow to maintain the CIO role’s core identity and purpose and demonstrate it to other executivesHow tech companies can balance strategy and organizational design Why she decided to pursue her EdD and how her research has impacted her career and perspectivesHow to use structure to enable results Featuring submitted questions from: Karenann Terrell, Technology Advisor, Former Chief Digital & Technology OfficerAnil Cheriyan, Former CIO/CTOMichael Smith, Chief Information Officer at Estee LauderEarl Newsome, Chief Information Officer at Cummins Inc.Kim Saxton, Chief Executive Officer at TechPACT

    49 min
  8. The Leadership Edge: Barry Shurkey’s IT Superpowers Revealed

    02/10/2024

    The Leadership Edge: Barry Shurkey’s IT Superpowers Revealed

    There are leaders who know how to win big results, but don’t know how to win people, and then there are leaders who know how to win people, but don’t know how to win big results. NTT DATA North America CIO Barry Shurkey is one of those great leaders who knows how to win both in business and with his people.  For this episode, we sat down with Barry at NTT DATA’s Innovation Center in Plano, Texas, to shine the light on his career journey and open up his tech leadership playbook so you can learn from the best. Tune in to learn about: Barry’s early jobs in publishing and hospitality influenced his careerHow to harness emotional intelligence as a leaderHow sharing the “ugly” news early can prevent problems and bring teams closer togetherHow Barry envisions the future of the CIO positionHow Barry has mentored and advocated for new leaders, particularly underrepresented individuals  Featuring submitted questions from: Lori Shisler, VP of Global People at NTT Global SourcingRobert Dority, Vice President at NTT Data ServicesTom Levesque, (ret.) VP of Information Technology at NTT Data ServicesMeredith Vance, Senior VP, Treasurer at NTT Data,Lourdes Gipson, Senior Executive Director at Inspire Leadership NetworkKris Moser, Executive Assistant to the CIO at NTT DATA Data Services

    40 min
See All (67)

Trailer

About

Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign-in or sign-up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada